Some people think that vertical cities are the best, where people live and work in tall buildings. Others think that horizontal cities are better, where there are few tall buildings. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The debate over whether vertical cities of high-rise structures or horizontal low-rise cities are superior has intensified amid rapid global urbanization. While both city models have their own merits, I believe a balanced combination of the two is the optimal approach for modern urban development.
Supporters of vertical cities argue that high-rises make far more efficient use of scarce urban land. In densely populated metropolises like Tokyo or Hong Kong, tall residential and office towers accommodate millions of residents and workers without sprawling into surrounding rural or ecological areas, which effectively preserves farmland and green spaces on the city outskirts. Besides, concentrated high-rise clusters shorten commuting distances between homes and workplaces, and make the construction of centralized public transport networks more cost-effective.
On the other hand, advocates of horizontal cities highlight their stronger community ties and better living environments. Low-rise neighborhoods with few tall buildings usually have more open public spaces, wider streets and lower population density, which reduces problems like overcrowding, traffic congestion and the urban heat island effect. For example, cities like Canberra, the capital of Australia, with mostly low-rise buildings, are known for their comfortable living atmosphere and abundant community parks, where residents have more opportunities for neighborhood interactions.
In my opinion, neither model is perfect for all contexts. Vertical construction is suitable for core commercial and residential zones in large megacities to maximize land efficiency, while low-rise horizontal planning is better for suburban areas and small cities to improve livability. Mixed development can meet both the demand for land conservation and residents' needs for a high quality of life.